Emphasising the need for providing employment opportunities to differently-abled individuals, President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday asked public and private sectors to be active partners for economic empowerment of persons with disabilities.
“…employment is a vital factor in economic empowerment of persons with disabilities. Vacancies have been reserved for such applicants in government ministries and establishments. Both public and private sectors should be active partners in this endeavour,” he said.
Speaking during National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) function, he said collective effort should be made to ensure dignity and equality for “our brothers and sisters who are disabled”.
The government’s national plan for skill development will cover 25 lakh persons with disabilities by 2022 to enhance their employability, the President said adding, “Some more steps are needed for ensuring inclusive education for our disable brothers and sisters.”
The President also complemented the financial institution which electronically transferred Rs 56 lakhs in the bank accounts of 61 awardees. Appreciating the Accessible India campaign, Mukherjee said it is a good step in creating barrier-free access to public buildings and public transportation.
Similarly, information and communication technology has contributed in many ways to improving daily lives of persons with disability, he added. “This supplements the government’s efforts in distribution of modern aids and devices. Such initiatives not only encourage beneficiaries and strengthen their morale but also create a positive awareness,” he added.
At the event Social Justice Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot, and Minister of State in the same ministry Ramdas Athawale and Krishan Pal Gurjar were also present.
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